Algeria secured their place in the quarter-finals of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 victory over Kenya on Tuesday evening, sealing second place in Group A behind hosts Morocco.
The North Africans produced an assured first-half display, striking twice inside the opening 30 minutes before managing the contest after the break to record a result that confirmed their progression to the knockout stages.
Captain Marine Defeur gave Algeria the perfect start in the 14th minute with a stunning long-range free-kick that flew beyond the reach of Kenyan goalkeeper, Lilian Awuor to put her side ahead. Algeria doubled their advantage nine minutes later through relentless pressing from Lynda Bendris. Closing down goalkeeper Elizabeth Ochaka inside the penalty area, Bendris forced an error before firing goalwards. Although Awuor got a hand to the effort, the ball found its way into the net to leave Kenya with a mountain to climb.
The Harambee Starlets responded positively and nearly found a way back in the 26th minute when Martha Emedot struck a well-taken effort from distance, but her shot drifted narrowly wide of the target.
The result confirms Algeria’s place in the quarter-finals after finishing second in Group A, one point behind tournament hosts Morocco, while Kenya exit the competition.
By:MICHAEL ABOAGYE